1984 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham V8 - 307cin from North America
Summary:
A reliable bargain - comfortable sofa-car
Faults:
Rear shocks broke (started leaking) after driving 2,000 km on gravel roads - these were the original ones. No trouble changing those, got new ones for 50 bucks Canadian.
Rear muffler - that's normal wear right, lost it on the Alaska highway.
Sometimes the windshield wipers don't stop - kind of funny. No problem, at least they start ;)
General Comments:
I love it. It's comfortable, handles well, reliable and not too bad on gas.
I would drive it to the moon and back without a problem (check the oil on the moon, just in case).
It is also quite good on gas, I get around 21 MPG out of it in general use. This is a good number for a car this size.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th January, 2002
21st Dec 2002, 20:26
I have a 1984 Delta 88 with 119,000 miles on it. My wipers also would not shut off. I found, after checking wiring, the problem was caused by dirt on the delay circuit board on the wiper motor. I cleaned it off with Radio Shack Electronic cleaner at 100,000 miles and the problem has not returned. I use my wipers often as I live in Washington State. This is worth trying before buying a new wiper motor.
17th Feb 2003, 15:02
Thanks for the ideas about solving the OFF setting problem with wipers. I just got an '84 Riviera with 70,000 miles that has the same problem. Now, any suggestions where to start with the cruise that won't engage?
Melford@ourtowusa.net.
14th Aug 2002, 17:10
Your windshield wiper problem is from the "Park" switch. The switch can be purchased at most auto parts here in the US. The average cost was about $15.00 US. This was about 3 years ago if I remember correctly. However, a better investment is to purchase a new complete motor assembly. It is much easier to change. You do not have to open it up as if you were just replacing the park switch. This also includes the pump for the sprayer. The motor is newer, well lubricated, and will provide better wiper action. Not to mention less frustration. In the mean time, when the wipers do not turn off. You can turn the ignition off for a few seconds, turn the wipers off while the ignition is off. Then restart the car. This will interrupt the power to the switch, which will reset it. Kind of like when a digital clock is flashing from a power outage. Best of luck I have 247000 us miles on my 1984 and have done some work to the car. Water Pumps, a/c, normal wear and tear. Timing chain, new suspension. Otherwise it is such a wonderful car. Keep in mind I have driven this car very very hard over the years. I refuse to get rid of it. It is a family member to me. Best of luck with yours.
Russell
Rbalcerowicz@hotmail.com